BUENAVENTURA

• COBUN
• Latitude: 3.887549
• Longitude: -77.06313
• West South America
• Port in Colombia

Location: Colombia

Buenaventura Port, Colombia

General Overview: Buenaventura Port, located on the Pacific coast of Colombia, is the principal maritime gateway and the busiest port in the country. It handles a significant portion of Colombia's international trade and is crucial for imports and exports. The port's strategic location provides a direct route between Colombia and Pacific Rim countries, making it an essential hub for trans-Pacific trade.

Location:

• Coordinates: Approximately 3.8776° N latitude and 77.0488° W longitude.
• Accessibility: The port is accessible by sea through the Buenaventura Bay and can be reached by road from major Colombian cities such as Cali.

Main Features and Specifications:

1. Terminals:

   • Container Terminals: The port has specialized facilities to handle containerized cargo, including modern gantry cranes and container stacking areas.
   • Bulk Cargo Terminals: Facilities for handling dry bulk (e.g., grains, minerals) and liquid bulk (e.g., petroleum products, chemicals).
   • General Cargo Terminals: Equipped to manage breakbulk cargo such as machinery, equipment, and steel products.

2. Infrastructure:

   • Berths: Multiple berths capable of handling vessels of varying sizes, with draft depths typically ranging between 10-15 meters.
   • Storage Facilities: Includes extensive warehousing, open storage, and specialized refrigerated storage for perishable goods.
   • Equipment: Modern cargo-handling equipment, including forklifts, reach stackers, and tugs for vessel maneuvering.

3. Capacity:

   • The port has a significant throughput capacity, managing millions of TEUs (Twenty-foot Equivalent Units) annually.
   • Adequate storage capacity for both temporary and long-term cargo storage.

4. Services:

   • Pilotage and Towage: Mandatory pilotage services for safe navigation through the bay, supported by tug services.
   • Customs and Clearance: On-site customs facilities streamline the import/export processes.
   • Logistics: Comprehensive logistics services, including transportation, freight forwarding, and supply chain management.

5. Security:

   • Adheres to international security standards, including the International Ship and Port Facility Security Code (ISPS Code).
   • 24/7 surveillance and security personnel to ensure the safety of cargo and personnel.

6. Connectivity:

   • Road: Well-connected to Colombia’s interior via the Buenaventura-Cali highway.
   • Rail: Plans for railway connectivity to enhance cargo transport efficiency.
   • Nearby Airports: Alfonso Bonilla Aragón International Airport in Cali for air freight services.

7. Environmental Initiatives:

   • Investing in green infrastructure and sustainable practices to minimize environmental impact.
   • Efforts include water quality monitoring, waste management programs, and emission reduction technologies.

Economic Impact: As Colombia's most crucial port, Buenaventura plays a pivotal role in the national economy. It supports various sectors, from agriculture to manufacturing, by providing essential trade links.

Development and Expansion: The port is undergoing continuous development to enhance its capabilities. This includes expanding terminal space, increasing berth depth, upgrading equipment, and improving hinterland connectivity.

Challenges:

• Security: While significant improvements have been made, the port has faced challenges related to security and organized crime in the past.
• Infrastructure: Ongoing need for infrastructure development to keep pace with increasing trade volumes.

Contact Information:

• Port Authority: Sociedad Portuaria Regional de Buenaventura (SPRBUN)
• Website: SPRBUN Official Website

Buenaventura Port remains a central hub for maritime trade in Colombia, significantly influencing the nation’s trade efficiency and economic development.